SHA: Stay Off the Roads Early Thursday

The Maryland State Highway Administration strongly urges motorists to avoid traveling early Thursday morning, especially before dawn.

"Stay off the roads early [Thursday] morning, so that SHA crews have the opportunity to proactively treat roadways before morning rush hour," SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters said in a news release. "When you step out and see ice on your doorstep, you can assume that roads will be icy as well. Also remember that conditions can change rapidly within just a few miles, and we ask motorists to remain on guard and exercise extreme caution tonight and tomorrow morning."

The SHA warns that those traveling during inclement weather and poor conditions pose a threat to themselves, first responders and other drivers. Disabled vehicles should be moved from the travel lane to the shoulder.

Keep track of up-to-date road conditions by clicking the "commute" option under the "more stuff" tab on the front page of your local Patch site.